By: Plugstar Entertainment
In a film industry where women, particularly Black women, are still fighting for creative authority, Dara Frazier is building her own table and inviting audiences into stories that feel honest, bold, and deeply human. As the founder of 1642 Productions LLC, Frazier is proving that when women control the narrative, the results are both powerful and unforgettable.
An Off-Broadway playwright, animator, and award-winning filmmaker, Frazier’s career reflects both artistic range and resilience. Early on, she was accepted into the historic Harlem Writers Guild, joining a legacy that includes literary icons such as Maya Angelou and Terry McMillan. Her animated short la Révolution earned her the Best African American Filmmaker Award at the Brooklyn Film Festival, setting the stage for a career that would span animation, television, and feature film.
Photo Courtesy: Frank Merle / 1642 Productions LLC
Frazier has worked with major networks and studios including MTV, Nickelodeon, Disney, Max, Netflix, and PBS, yet her decision to launch 1642 Productions was driven by a deeper calling: creative ownership. “After writing professionally for bigger studios and other independent productions, I decided it was time to take on the challenge of bringing my own projects to fruition,” she explains.
At its core, 1642 Productions is guided by a clear philosophy. “1642 Productions is a story studio,” Frazier says. That belief shapes every project the company develops, stories that prioritize emotional truth, take risks with perspective, and center women’s lived experiences.
Photo Courtesy: 1642 Productions LLC
Now based in Los Angeles, 1642 Productions creates films across California, Michigan, and Georgia, while also offering post-production services such as editing, color correction, sound design, and visual effects. The company also plays a critical role in pre-production, helping filmmakers with line producing, budgeting, pitch decks, and casting, often the difference between a project stalling or making it to the screen.
Frazier understands the realities of independent filmmaking, especially for women. “When it comes to getting an independent film off the ground, there are several moving parts,” she says. “In this current climate, careful planning and execution are mission critical.”
Her recent work reflects both versatility and intention. She wrote and produced the holiday romantic comedy Catfish Christmas, followed by the animated holiday special Jazzy Bells, starring Hawthorne James, which premiered at the Pan African Film Festival. Her most recent and impactful project, Not Every Woman, stars Omar Gooding and is now streaming on Amazon and Apple TV.
Not Every Woman is particularly resonant for female audiences. The film challenges assumptions, embraces nuance, and gives voice to women who are often boxed into expectations. While Black women are Frazier’s primary audience, the themes extend far beyond one demographic. The stories are layered, relatable, and rooted in emotional honesty.
What sets Frazier apart is her willingness to take bold, creative risks, especially in writing and casting. “I think I’m the only studio that would greenlight my films, and that makes me proud,” she says. That pride comes from trusting her instincts and refusing to dilute her vision.
Frazier lives by personal mantras that mirror her journey: “Start exactly where you are” and “You’re probably the person you’re looking for.” These words reflect not only how she builds films, but how she builds confidence in herself and in the women watching her work.
Looking ahead, Frazier envisions continuing to produce independent films while bringing a series to life. More than anything, she hopes her work raises awareness, not just of Not Every Woman, but of what’s possible when women lead creatively.
Through 1642 Productions, Dara Frazier isn’t waiting for permission. She’s creating space, telling stories that matter, and reminding women everywhere that their voices are enough.
Learn more at: 1642studios.com | darawrites.com
